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Nockamixon Notes |
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As 2007 comes to a close, Nockamixon looks back on an exciting year’s end. Following another successful Nockamixon Community Day that again saw record attendance, our little towns slid quietly into the waning part of the year. That quiet wasn’t to last, as activity—both good and bad—heated up. On November 3, Ferndale Post Office customers came in to find their new Postmaster, Lenny Skibicki, missing. Turns out he was simply home with his family, celebrating with his wife, Jessica, the arrival of their newest addition. Lauren Judith was born at 5:55 that morning, a healthy 7 lb., 2 oz. baby girl. A week later, Lenny was back at his post, tired but smiling. Welcome back, Lenny, and welcome to the world, Lauren! The following Tuesday, voters in our township signaled their desire for change when they elected a second Democrat to the Board of Supervisors, in the person of Al Santopietro. Congratulations, Al, and best wishes for the ability to help move our township forward toward a brighter future for us all. I’m also pleased and proud that my partner, Shelly Sickbert, was elected to fill the auditor seat vacated by Jerrianne Mecham. Thanks, Jerrianne, for all your service to our community—so much of which most people never know about—and good luck with all the new goings-on in your life. Congratulations, Shelly, and good luck in helping keep the township books as they ought to be.
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Three days later, on Friday the 9th, our area was shaken to its core when someone phoned in an anonymous report of two armed young men having entered Palisades High School. For more than three hours, students and parents waited and worried until it was determined by the Dublin barracks State Police that the call had been a hoax. With great relief, the lockdown ended around 12:30, with most students remaining at school and some being picked up by frightened parents. We were truly lucky in this situation, giving us much to reflect on this Thanksgiving. Though no one wants to go through anything like this, the incident proved a very useful and realistic exercise for everyone involved. School authorities learned the strengths and weaknesses of their emergency plan and their ability to implement it. Students learned what to expect in a real lockdown, not a drill. And law enforcement and emergency services personnel learned what they’ll have to contend with should—God forbid—an actual armed incident occur. As a member of our Emergency Management team, I can tell you that we thoroughly reviewed the event and were, overall, pleased with what we found. We were proud to have worked closely last spring with administration officials from both the high school and PALMS to review and strengthen their emergency plans. I’m happy to report that these authorities are interested in and attentive to continuing to do so, and will use what they’ve learned in this event to further refine the parameters of how they protect our community’s kids. I wish you all Happy Holidays, peace in your hearts, and remembrance of all those who left us this year and who continue to serve our nation far from home.
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